ethelb It is interesting - one thing to note on the historical basis is that there does appear to be on average a delay in bacteria colonisation today compared to historically - lower levels of breastfeeding (breastmilk contains lots of bacteria and a nipple isn't sterilised) more anti-bacterial wipes, lower incidence of fermented foods due to refigeration etc. So it may well be that a young babies guts are different and more at risk.

But yes honey isn't really very risky at all, but it's also easy to leave out. But no need to worry if you do feed baby some. Particularly babies over 6mo.

ethelb No, children are much more likely to get infant botulism, the adult form is extremely rare, and is generally linked with bowel surgery or something. Infant botulism is the spores colonising the babies digestive tract and then pumping out toxins - that's effectively impossible in anyone older than a baby as the gut is full of bacteria that will out-compete it and more stomach acid which it doesn't like. And it's much more common because the bacteria aren't there yet.

It's really not something to worry about though, it's extremely rare, and if your baby has been on solid food for awhile, and you've not been obessive about removing bacteria from babies enviroment then the chances are even less.

I think they are more likely to get infant botulism as they are infants and dont have strong imune systems. It is very very serious. Im not denying that its just a six mibth old is a lot more likely to grt ill from an improperly wiped kitchen counter than honey. So no need to panic!

The honey botulism link is about the most infantessimally small risk if all the food risks out there. Children are no more likely to get it than adults (it is v dangerous if they do though) so unless all Of you have come down with the biggest honey caused botulusm poisoning known to man then i really wouldnt worry

Shit! Have been at my aunts for a family birthday meal and fed my ds 6 1/2 months, some fruity chicken stew mixed with mash. He absolutely loved it and demolished a plateful. I then found out that it had honey in it. Will he be ok??